Pages & Places Festival

Pages & Places Festival
October 3, 2009

Interview with Connections Magazine

Connections Magazine,
September 2009

Write Here in NEPA
by Allison Mowatt

The next time you visit your local bookstore, whether it is a large chain or a small independent book nook, consider the shelves and tables that are brimming with books. Northeastern Pennsylvania is brimming with authors. Some of them are brand new writers; some have been writing for years, considering it a passion more than a hobby, and others never planned on becoming an author but find themselves enjoying every minute of it. One thing they all share, though, is they call Northeastern Pennsylvania home.

HELEN SILVESTRI (Pen name-Ellen Chaksil), Peckville, Pa.

Helen Silvestri is a religious author whose decision to write is truly an amazing experience and a blessing from God. "I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to begin writing," she said. The eighty-year-old author grew up in Eynon, Pa. and currently resides in Peckville. She began writing seriously after she was baptized in the Holy Spirit in 1978. During this time, she was initiated into a Catholic Charismatic prayer group.

After Helen was baptized, she was graced with the gift of prophecy and began receiving words from God. The message she heard became clear over the years by way of prayer, scripture, prophecy, supplementary articles, and books. The words that came into her consciousness were "When they are threatened with the loss of all this, only then will they turn to Me." This entire process and the prophecy that was revealed to her is explained in detail in her first book, With God There is Hope Hope for Humanity, which is published by Tribute Books in Archbald.

After she received these prophetic words, she saw a vision of chaos surrounding the steps of the Vatican's St. Peter’s Basilica and felt that this was a message that humanity was threatened. She needed to share her experience with church officials so she left her home in Peckville and traveled to the Vatican. Eventually, she made contact with Pope John Paul II and received official recognition that he had read a letter she had sent him detailing the prophecy she received from God.

Helen spoke with someone from Harvard Medical School who provided hypothetical proof that when people pray together, energy is emitted. Helen views her book as a way to educate people on the power of prayer. One of the important messages Helen wants to share is that when the world is united in prayer, only then can a power be generated to prevent catastrophe and allow humanity’s continued existence. The catastrophe would be the result of either the Earth turning on its axis, another planet encroaching upon the orbit of Earth, or an immense asteroid plummeting into the Earth to disrupt its rotation.

Writing With God There is Hope: Hope for Humanity was a labor of love and required a lot of research and studying, but Helen embraced every minute of it as she saw it as "being in touch with God by way of His Holy Spirit."

Helen has received much recognition for With God There is Hope: Hope for Humanity and was one of eight finalists in the National Best Books 2008 Awards. She has been interviewed on local television and also by the Scranton Times Tribune and the Scranton edition of the Times Leader. In addition, she recently won the 2009 Volunteer Award from Lackawanna County Prison. The 4th Annual Volunteers Program called "I Make a Difference" was held at the prison this past June, and Helen was chosen for her weekly visits with the Monday Prayer Group.

Her novel can be found at Borders in Dickson City, Barnes and Noble in Wilkes Barre, and Amazon.com.

Reviews

"What an honor it is to know you and to have read your book. It is a wonderful story of your prophetic journey. You were truly touched by the Spirit."
Bobbie Hunt, President of the National Council of Catholic Women

"Congratulations on one fantastic book! I couldn't put it down. You give a lot of food for thought. You have been blessed to be the messenger and courageous to share the message."
Ellen Bachman, Past President of the National Council of Catholic Women

People on the Move

The Valley Advantage,
September 4, 2009

People on the Move

Peckville resident Helen Silvestri has won the 2009 Volunteer Award from the Lackawanna County Prison. The fourth annual program was titled "I Make a Difference." Silvestri was chosen for her weekly visits with the Monday prayer group. Deputy warden Timothy Betti presented Silvestri with the crystal globe award. Inmates prepared refreshments and entertained guests by singing, acting and reading poetry.

Volunteer of the Year at Lackawanna County Prison

Scranton Times-Tribune
August 5, 2009

Volunteer Recognition

Volunteers at the Lackawanna County Prison receive recognition for their time and talents. In front, from left: the Rev. Sandra Magor and Helen Silvestri. In back: Saundra Leventhal and the Rev. Riccardo Jackson, prison chaplain. Mrs. Silvestri was recognized as a volunteer of the year for her work in a weekly Bible study class and prayer group. The Rev. Magor and Ms. Leventhal worked as a team on a Friday evening Bible study group.

JESUS CAME TO CALL US TO LOVE AND PRAY

JESUS CAME TO CALL US TO LOVE AND PRAY
Have you ever wondered if there could be something "MORE" in that call??

I entered into a personal relationship with God in 1978 and in 1983-1984, it had been revealed to me that, "YES" there is "MORE."

In 1998, the feasibility of the fulfillment of the "MORE" had became known to me.

That year, 1978, was significant in my life: The Holy Spirit led me to personally know God and experience some of the gifts we read about in 1Corinthians 12. I especially want to share about the Gift of Prophecy: In the Church of St. Ubaldo, in Gubbio Italy, I heard my first word: "WHEN THEY ARE THREATHENED WITH THE LOSS OF ALL THIS, ONLY THEN, WILL THEY TURN TO ME." Over the years by way of prayer, scripture, prophecy, supplementary articles, books, etc., that message became clear.

Often coincidentally, some of the above resources would come into my possession thus aiding and abetting clarification.

God revealed that cosmic collision, as had happened innumerable times in the past would once again threaten the Earth, only this time, humanity could be instrumental in either the forestalling or the cessation of this devastation.

In reviewing recorded results of past catastrophes and being alerted to the outcome of possible future occurrences, I doubted that humanity could withstand the devastation brought about by either the Earth turning on its axis, one planet encroaching upon the orbit of Earth, as had happened in the past, or an immense asteroid plummeting into the Earth to disrupt its rotation.------Yet, by way of my writing, inspired by God, I was assured that life on Earth would persist.

In the interim of this surfacing knowledge, while assessing this war torn world, the poverty due to the inequitable sharing of the planet's resources also the existing immoral situations, etc., etc., I wondered why God desired ongoing existence??

The following truth revealed the answer: God created humanity in His image and likeness, and so time, life, is needed for this transformation to occur thus enabling eternal existence.

Here, surfaces exposure into the "MORE," where love is concerned: We are called to love, for in the interim of loving, whether by word, thought or deed, our soul, our spirit, is being transformed as we become "MORE" like Him, in whose image and likeness we are created.

The means for either the forestalling or cessation of the prophesied catastrophe, may be found in the following Scripture passages:

Matthew 17:20 "If your faith were the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it would move, nothing would be impossible for you."

Luke 8:24 They come to Him saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing" He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves subsided and there was calm.

John 14:12 "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I do and will do even greater ones than these because I am going to the Father.

Reflection upon these truths, revealed that, yes, with a depth of faith and God's grace, we humans could participate in this supernatural happening, that of the forestalling or the cessation of annihilation!!

But, I wondered, could the required unification of all God's Children ever happen?

Based on the existing disunity, it appears futile. Yet, common sense dictates; if the Earth' existence and the lives of its inhabitants were threatened and it became known that all of God's own coming together in PRAYER, could reverse this annihilation, yes, it is indeed feasible to believe that unity and continued existence could occur.

Here presents exposure upon the "MORE" where "PRAYER" is concerned.

Hypothetical proof that "PRAYER", collaboration with God, could release the power, the energy, needed to deter disaster has been established: In 1985, while people engaged in prayer, the electroscope (An instrument for detecting the presence of an electric charge.) of Dr. Boguslaw Lipinski (The founder of the Institute for the Scientific Understanding of Spirituality) registered radiation which would have been deadly to those involved, yet, the presons who prayed walked away, unaffected. Upon examination of the facts, the scientist had no recourse but to determine he had registered Spiritual Energy when people congregated in "PRAYER."

CONCLUSION: One day all of God's Children will be called to, TURN TO HIM, and temporarily set aside their religious differences, as they engage in intense, unified, PRAYER to Him, the One True God, their Mutual Father and Creator. While engaged in "LOVE & PRAYER" they will emanate Spiritual Energy, great enough to prevent catastrophe on Earth that existence be enabled until the End Time.

Around the Towns: Blakely

Scranton Times-Tribune
June 28, 2009

Around the Towns
Blakely
by Cecilia Baress

Resident Helen Silvestri won the 2009 Volunteer Award for her work at Lackawanna County Prison.

Mrs. Silvestri was selected by the Rev. Ricardo Jackson, prison chaplain, for her weekly prayer group visits.

She said receiving the award was gratifying and humbling. "Naturally, I was pleased," she said.

She has volunteered at the prison for about 20 years, hosting a Catholic Charismatic prayer group for female inmates, she said.

Religious author honored for volunteerism

Times Leader Scranton Edition
June 21, 2009

Religious author honored for volunteerism
by Shelby Fisk

Helen Silvestri, of Peckville, receives award from Lackawanna County Prison.

Local author, Helen Silvestri from Peckville, who wrote “With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity” under her pen name, Ellen Chaksil, has won the 2009 Volunteer Award from the Lackawanna County Prison in Scranton.

In 1978, Silvestri said that she attended her first prayer group after being invited by two friends. Although she was originally skeptical about what she would experience, she said going to the prayer group was a life-changing event. She said that she was given the gift of speaking in tongues and nine months later was given the gift of prophecy. Since then she said that she has helped volunteer with religious groups.

In the mid-1980s, Silvestri said that she began her work with the Lackawanna County Prison. Since then she has continued, making weekly visits to the prison to host Monday prayer groups for women.

“It’s a fulfilling experience,” Silvestri said about hosting the prayer groups, because “prayer could change outlooks.”

“There’s a spiritual energy in prayer,” Silvestri said. “It can move mountains.”

There have been many positive and affirming comments from the women that she prays with, Silvestri said. She did not discuss the exact conversations that she’s had with inmates, citing confidentiality. She said that she is also not allowed to speak with women after they are released from prison, so Silvestri said she only hopes for the best for the women that she has met and she feels that praying with women in the prison can help them.

She believes most of the women in the prison have come from dysfunctional families and are misguided.

“Ninety percent of the females in there are in because of drug related crimes,” she said.

Silvestri explained that she feels that there is a void left in everyone by God that can only be filled by God, even though humans sometimes try to fill it in other ways.

“They’re young girls,” Silvestri said, “hoping to get into rehab.”

“When they’re sentenced we pray that justice will be done.”

Silvestri said that she often reads Scriptures from the Bible to comfort the women.

“Jesus said we’re forgiven 70 times, seven times,” Silvestri said. “Letting them know there is help is important.”

“We’re all children of God,” Silvestri said, noting that some women have found religion through her prayer groups.

“We have common ground (regardless of religious affiliations),” she added.

In her prayer groups, she said that she shares the same message that is prominent in her book: the power of prayer.

“Seeing the power of prayer,” she said is important.

“Yesterday (June 16) was the 20th anniversary of my son’s death,” Silvestri said. “It (prayer) helps you get through (tough times).”

Silvestri has traveled locally, nationally and for the last two years internationally volunteering her time with religious work.

“All I ever hope for is to touch a heart,” Silvestri said.

“You’ve got to do what you can,” Silvestri said adding that inspiration from God keeps her going.

“I’ve had an exciting life in the Lord,” Silvestri said.

Silvestri is a member of the parishes of St. Patrick, Holy Ghost, and St. Michael the Archangel in Olyphant, where she serves as a eucharistic minister and lector. She is also president of the Confraternity of Christian Women, coordinator of RENEW, and is a member of the parish and finance councils.

Her book, “With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity,” can be purchased at tribute-books.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com, booksamillion.com and powells.com or can be special ordered at local bookstores.

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers on South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre will host a book signing with Silvestri on Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon to 2 p.m.

Helen Silvestri

TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Peckville

OCCUPATION: Self-employed

HOW MANY YEARS: Almost 49 years

CHARITIES, VOLUNTEER PROJECTS: Religious volunteer work on local, national and international levels

FAMILY: Husband, Bruno; children, Marie, Paul, and the late John; grandchildren, Laura, 27; Sarah, 20; David, 19; Matthew, 16; Morgan, 14

EDUCATION: Archbald High School and some university theology work

HOBBIES, INTERESTS: Cooking and golf

ABOVE: Helen Silvestri greets Pope Benedict XVI.

August 15, 12-2 p.m., Barnes & Noble, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Please join me for a book signing:

Saturday, August 15, 2009
12 noon-2 p.m.

Barnes & Noble College Booksellers
7 South Main Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18701
(570) 208-4700

2009 Volunteer Award from Lackawanna County Prison

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nicole Langan
570-876-2416
info@tribute-books.com

Peckville, PA Religious Author Wins 2009 Volunteer Award from Lackawanna County Prison

Helen Silvestri (pen name Ellen Chaksil) author of With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity receives recognition for her charity work at prison

ARCHBALD, PENNSYLVANIA – Tribute Books is pleased to announce that author, Helen Silvestri (pen name Ellen Chaksil) has won the 2009 Volunteer Award from the Lackawanna County Prison in Scranton, Pa.

The 4th Annual Volunteers Program titled “I Make A Difference” was held at the prison on June 2. Chaplain, Rev. Ricardo Jackson, selected the winner from among the prison’s many volunteers. Silvestri, a resident of Peckville, Pa., was chosen for her weekly visits with the Monday Prayer Group.

Deputy Warden Timothy Betti presented Silvestri with the crystal globe award. Inmates prepared refreshments and entertained guests by singing, acting and reciting poetry.

Author recognized for religious book

Times Leader
November 9, 2008

Author recognized for religious book

Helen Silvestri (pen name Ellen Chaksil) of Peckville, author of "With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity," received a certificate of recognition for her book from her publisher Nicole Langan of Tribute Books in Archbald. Silvestri was a finalist in the 2008 National Best Book Awards in the "Religion: Christian Inspiration" category. From left: Silvestri, Langan.

FINALIST! National Best Book 2008 Award - With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity by Ellen Chaksil

National Best Book 2008 Awards



Finalist - Religion: Christian Inspiration
With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity
by Ellen Chaksil

Interview on KDKA's Amplify with Father Ron Lengwin

Ellen Chaksil Interview
KDKA - Amplify with Father Ron Lengwin

CLICK HERE to listen to the radio broadcast.

The Frankie Boyer Show Radio Interview

The Frankie Boyer Show

CLICK HERE to listen to the radio broadcast.

Video Book Trailer